Staff Prototype Technician, Structural (R3712)
Shield AI
Dallas County, TX, USA
Posted on Aug 8, 2025
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Boston, Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,X, YouTubeand Instagram.
Job Description:
We are seeking a highly skilled Structural Test Technician to support the fabrication, instrumentation, and testing of new products. This role is ideal for a hands-on builder who thrives in dynamic environments, has experience with structural fabrication and precision instrumentation techniques, and is comfortable working in both machine shop operations and product prototyping environments.
You will be a key contributor in bringing cutting-edge designs to life, playing a vital role in everything from early-stage prototype development to detailed testing and validation of final assemblies.
What You'll Do:
- Construct and assemble large-scale structures and test articles in alignment with engineering drawings and CAD models.
- Support the design, prototyping, and fabrication of new products, R&D initiatives, and flight-ready hardware.
- Maintain accurate records of test equipment configurations and device designations across all projects.
- Work with aerospace-grade materials and perform structural repairs using industry-standard techniques and tools.
- Fabricate fixtures, machine brackets, and execute rapid modifications on prototype hardware as needed.
- Install strain gauges, thermocouples, and various sensors according to precise instrumentation schematics.
- Route cabling, integrate data acquisition systems, and verify sensor calibration and operational status.
- Conduct mechanical testing by applying static and dynamic loads per detailed engineering procedures.
- Operate and maintain mechanical testing systems (e.g., hydraulic actuators, load frames, DAQ systems).
- Document test outcomes clearly and report anomalies or irregularities in a timely manner.
- Ensure a clean, organized, and safe workspace across shop, lab, and composite work areas.
- Contribute to ongoing improvements in instrumentation standards, testing procedures, and fabrication workflows.
- Source and manage inventory for parts and equipment needed for component repair or replacement.
- Operate rigging systems, forklifts, and gantry cranes to position and transport test equipment and structural components.
Required Qualifications:
- 4–6 years of overall experience in structural fabrication, instrumentation, and/or testing.
- Strong background in strain gauge installation, sensor wiring, and data acquisition integration.
- Hands-on experience with mechanical testing systems such as hydraulic actuators, load frames, and DAQ systems.
- Proficiency in machine shop operations, including manual and/or CNC tools.
- Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and detailed work instructions.
- Comfortable working in shop and lab environments with exposure to noise, dust, and chemicals.
- Ability to lift and move parts and equipment (up to 50 lbs.) and perform physical work for extended periods.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with composite material handling and repair techniques (cutting, bonding, vacuum bagging, etc.).
- Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, or high-performance prototyping environments.
- Knowledge of adhesives, fasteners, and bonding processes for composite-to-metal interfaces.
- Able to work independently and adapt quickly to changing technical needs.
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.